Hospital Remodeled After a Century of Service

Halifax Regional Medical Center is a leading partner in a healthier community. For 100 years the Halifax Regional Medical Center has been delivering health and wellness to northeastern North Carolina. This not-for-profit, community hospital offers an array of medical and surgical services, including 24-hour emergency care. Halifax Regional was renovating a number of areas and needed durable, stylish, comfortable healthcare furniture for common areas. Enter Kwalu, which provides the ultimate in healthcare and hospital furniture, creating products that perform under pressure.

Waiting long hours necessitates comfortable seating

“We did our research into the quality and reputation of Kwalu furniture. Satisfied with the results, we began to discuss our unique needs” says Sherry Jensen, Vice President of Halifax RMC Finance and Clinical Operations / CFO. In hospital settings people sometimes wait for hours, so the seating has to be comfortable.

Barbara Moore, RN and Administrative Director of Clinical Facility Development became the project manager. She says “The seating is very plush and was the perfect choice for the hospital’s many waiting rooms and lobbies.”

On-time deliveries

The biggest challenge of a multi-phased remodel of active public areas is getting furniture delivered in a timely manner. Kwalu ensured that the many waiting rooms at Halifax Regional were never left bare as part of the hospital redesign, and the transitions from old look to new went smoothly.

Ease of cleaning

Infection prevention is critical in any hospital setting. Infection control furniture that is easy to clean, that has minimal seams and is made from non-porous materials, combined with effective cleaning protocols and the right disinfecting agents (such as bleach), can contribute to the decrease of cross-transmission of dangerous pathogens. “Environmental Services staff is pleased with the high quality and sturdiness of Kwalu furniture. It can easily be wiped down repeatedly and it holds up well in high traffic areas.”

Successful partnership, future projects

Kwalu continues to partner with Halifax Regional Medical Center as this historic hospital proceeds with renovations. “The service from Kwalu was outstanding and because of this, we have gone back to Kwalu in several other areas unrelated to this project”, says Ms. Jensen.